An Albuquerque cemetery took a new approach to honoring the memories of military members.

Green Army men toys came to life and became life-size Monday at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

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The toy soldiers shared stories of real soldiers who sacrificed their lives. The goal of the performance was to teach children, but some veterans who watched said it's an important message for everyone.

“I've got neighbors that have no idea what the Battle of Bataan was about,” Navy veteran Ron Roberts said.

Hundreds of soldiers, many from the New Mexico National Guard, died in Bataan as Japanese prisoners of war in 1942.

"We don't understand what that 'above and beyond' calls for at times,” Navy veteran John Stockton said.

Veterans told KOAT that they hope to see more people show respect for those who gave their lives for freedom.